As a researcher, I—Brett Krajewski, Vice President of Research and Growth at Accelerant Research—am driven by a passion for understanding people. I want to uncover the "why" behind their behaviors, identify their needs, and contribute to creating solutions that truly resonate. But here's the uncomfortable truth: too often, the insights we gather are not being fully utilized. We're seeing design happening without the crucial foundation of user research.

I've seen it firsthand, and I know many of you have too. We're under pressure to deliver insights quickly, iterate rapidly, and "move fast and break things." In this whirlwind, research can sometimes feel like a "nice to have," a time-consuming process that slows down progress. But I'm here to argue that neglecting research is not only a detriment to good design, it's a recipe for disaster.

The Symbiotic Relationship: Design & Research, A Powerful Duo

Let's be clear: Design and research are not adversaries. They're partners. They're two sides of the same coin.

Research informs Design: Good research provides the bedrock for effective design. It helps us:

Understand the true user problems: Research uncovers the why behind user behavior. It moves us beyond assumptions and into the realm of data-driven insights.

Validate our assumptions: User research, whether qualitative or quantitative, allows us to test our ideas, identify potential pitfalls, and refine our designs based on real-world feedback.

Be concrete, not subjective: Data from research provides the evidence we need to make informed design decisions. We can move away from gut feelings and rely on concrete information.

Design brings Research to Life: Design is the vehicle that brings research to the surface.

Design translates research into tangible outcomes: Designers are in charge of making the research, the data, the insights, more tangible and easier to understand by the user.

Design brings research to life: Design is in charge of helping research become more impactful. By using research in the design process, it becomes more influential.

Why is Design Without Research Still Happening?

So why is this crucial partnership often broken? Several factors contribute:

Time Pressure: Agile methodologies and tight deadlines can squeeze out valuable research time.

Resource Constraints: Research can be perceived as expensive, leading to budget cuts or a lack of dedicated resources.

Siloed Teams: Design and research teams can operate in isolation, with limited communication and collaboration. This creates a "us vs. them" mentality instead of a unified approach.

Lack of Understanding: Sometimes, the value of research isn't fully understood by stakeholders or even by designers themselves. I've also noticed a concerning trend: a reliance on visual design over UX design. Many companies operate like design agencies, focusing on the quantity of outputs rather than the quality of the user experience. It's a case of "putting lipstick on a pig," prioritizing aesthetics over solving the core user problems.

The Pitfalls of Both Sides

The consequences of designing without research, or of research being divorced from the design process, are significant:

For Designers:

Creating Solutions for the Wrong Problem: Without understanding user needs, designers risk building products or features that nobody wants or needs.

Wasting Time and Resources: Designing in a vacuum leads to costly iterations and rework.

Reduced Impact: Designs that aren't grounded in research are less likely to achieve their intended goals.

For Researchers:

Lack of Impact: Research that isn't integrated into the design process can become an academic exercise, gathering dust on a shelf.

Missed Opportunities: Researchers miss the chance to influence the direction of a project and see their insights come to life.

Frustration and Burnout: Feeling like your work isn't valued can lead to demotivation and disengagement.

What Needs to Change: Building Bridges, Not Walls

To avoid these pitfalls and foster a more effective design process, we need to change the way we work:

Prioritize Research: Make research an integral part of every design project, from the outset.

Allocate Resources: Invest in research tools, training, and dedicated research staff.

Foster Collaboration: Encourage open communication and collaboration between design and research teams. Conduct regular design reviews where the research is presented and discussed, and make sure the research team is involved in the design process.

Educate and Advocate: Educate stakeholders about the value of research and advocate for its inclusion in the design process.

Embrace a User-Centric Mindset: Put the user at the center of everything we do. Remember that we're designing for people, not at them.

Iterate and Learn: View research as an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Continuously gather feedback and iterate on designs based on user insights.

Let's Design Smarter, Not Just Faster

Designing without research is like building a house on sand. It might look good for a while, but it's ultimately unstable and unsustainable. By embracing the power of research, we can create designs that are not only beautiful and innovative but also truly effective and user-centered. Let's build bridges between design and research, and together, create a better world through design.